Hector Miguel Barreto-Gonzalez, 80, of Opelika/Camp Hill, Alabama, was born to the late Miguel Barreto-Santiago and Justa Gonzalez-Lopez of Isabela, Puerto Rico on September 10, 1936 and passed away on May 22, 2017. Hector spent 14 years in the Army. He learned to speak English, was a translator for Cuba and the U.S., a Drill Sergeant, and received multiple medals. He was a devout Catholic who wore his religion on his sleeve. Mr. Barreto-Gonzalez became a Spanish instructor with a reputable college in Columbus, GA, a professional truck driver; finally retiring with Flowers Bakery. Once retired, he re-finished furniture, enjoyed spending time on lawn care, and took long, scenic drives. He loved TV for comedy and news for a good laugh; his favorite sports were boxing and the Atlanta Braves. Poppie will be remembered for his positive outlook on life, making rice & beans, helping others, always being there, keeping the temperature 85 all year round, and mostly the time he spent with grandchildren and treating them with a snack.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Rosetta Faye (Sheree) Barreto-Gonzalez of Opelika, Alabama; son, Christopher Dwayne Barreto-Gonzalez; brother, Carmelo Barreto-Gonzalez; sister-in-laws, Maria de Lourdes Martinez-Lopez and Adolfina Martinez-Barreto of Isabela, Puerto Rico.
He is survived by his children: Juan Lee Jaramillo (Bobby), Penny Barreto-Gonzalez, Tammy Jolanda Barreto-Hand, and Danny Barreto-Gonzalez (Jolanda); grandchildren: Timothy P. Collins (Mary), Candice M. Neese (Jay), Marc Citron, Bethany Alexandria Barreto, Lauren Elizabeth Barreto, Jackson Schwantes-Barreto, Hunter C. Barreto, Jordan B. Jaramillo, James Stevenson, Jude Kammerling Childers, Kylie Jo Stevenson, and Kristopher Daniel Barreto; great-grandchild, Porter D. Neese; sisters: Provicencia Machado-Barreto (Rafael), Nerieda Rodriguez-Barreto (Vicente), and Maria Teresa Reyes-Barreto (Thomas); and brother, Miguel Barreto-Gonzalez.
A graveside service will be held 11:30 CST on Wednesday, May 31, 2017, at Fort Mitchell Cemetery, Fort Mitchell, AL.